"Wet foot, dry foot," as it's been dubbed, was created in 1995 by then-president Bill Clinton and it generally allowed any Cuban citizen who physically touched American soil to be granted residency in a year without a visa as they sought more permanent immigration solutions to stay in the U.S. Now, they will be immediately deported back to Cuba if they don't have proper documentation or didn't arrive through legal channels.

"Effective immediately, Cuban nationals who attempt to enter the United States illegally and do not qualify for humanitarian relief will be subject to removal," Obama explained in a statement, according to the Miami Herald. "By taking this step, we are treating Cuban migrants the same way we treat migrants from other countries. The Cuban government has agreed to accept the return of Cuban nationals who have been ordered removed, just as it has been accepting the return of migrants interdicted at sea."

While thousands of Cubans were able to come to the U.S. during the 20-plus years the policy was in place, the special immigration status also opened up a series of serious problems. People-trafficking schemes became prevalent in Cuba, and escapes from Cuba to the U.S. (a 90-mile journey from the island nation to Florida) were often on makeshift boats or rafts, making the trip incredibly dangerous.

Despite the policy's end sounding like a bad move, the Cuban government said that this policy decision will help reduce people-trafficking, and that the agreement "aims to guarantee normal, safe and ordered migration," according to the Miami Herald.

Reactions to the policy are mixed. Some members of the Cuban community disapprove of the policy change and believe that the "wet foot, dry foot" policy actually helped save lives. Some U.S. lawmakers think it's not fair that Cubans get "special treatment" when it comes to making their way to the U.S.

"Why should only the Cuban people be able to come and make a life for themselves?" said Eulalia Jimenez, a Venezuelan citizen who spoke to Reuters.

If he wanted to, President-elect Donald Trump could reverse the move when he takes office on January 20.